Nick Turns 5

On March 18th, 2018 Nicholas turned 5.  We celebrated with cupcakes and our small group at Beaver's Bend on Saturday night at the group camp out.

with some friends at the Beaver's Bend group grill out

On Sunday, his actual birthday, we were driving back from Beaver's Bend so he got to pick the restaurant for dinner.  He chose "the place with the muffins."

family birthday dinner

On Monday, Daddy took him to get donuts to share with his class at school.  This will be his last year to be able to do that as rules have changed for public school celebrations because of allergies and such.

Then Saturday, March 24th, we had his Angry Birds inspired birthday party.  Now he says he feels five.

Angry Bird Cheese Pizza

Angry Bird Pizza 2

Angry Bird cookies, aka party favors, made by my amazingly talented friend, Shalise.

pinata

helping make pigs

testing out the slingshot

opening presents

playing with presents

the cake made by another amazing friend, Melissa 

singing time

make a wish

knock it down

it's falling

pinata time

after it was knocked to the ground, they took turns beating it

I don't have growth stats as we haven't made it to the doctor yet, but on Graemma's growth chart, he's just 1/4 in behind his sister at this age so hopefully he's going to be tall.  According to our bathroom scale he weights 39 lbs.

He is all boy.  Loves cars, balls, being destructive, and playing rough.  His imaginex toys and his legos are still his favorite toys.  He's ready to learn to read and loves coloring and looking at books.  He's a lefty in every way - writing, kicking, throwing, even using his scooter.  He's such a joy and we love having him in our family, even his big sister.

The Polar Express

On Sunday, we surprised the kids with a trip to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express, aka Texas State Railroad, in Palestine Texas.  We arrived about an hour before departure to walk around a bit, take some pictures, shop, and prepare for the ride.  Prior to boarding, they reenacted a scene from the movie and then allowed us all to board.  We were in the Open Air car which made for a chilly ride (especially coming back) but we had coats and blankets, so we were prepared.  One the way they served cookies and hot chocolate.  After arriving at the North Pole, Santa came aboard and gave every child a bell from his sleigh.  We stayed overnight in Palestine which is always a fun treat for the kids staying in a hotel.  The hotel even had Polar Express craft time in the lobby in the afternoon before we left.  My parents came along.  It was good to spend time with them as well. 


Craft Time at the Hotel:

making paper trees

making bead candy canes

writing a letter to santa

The Polar Express:

in our Christmas pajamas

reenactment

The North Pole

Looking at his bell from Santa

with Periquito Azul - his school mascot

Sprints

Tonight as part of my half marathon training I had to run sprints.  I loathe sprints.  They hurt.  I get winded.  They wear me out.  I'm usually sore for a day.  If i had my way, I'd never do them.  But to reach some of my fitness/running goals, sprints are a good idea, despite my feelings for them.

All day today I dreaded them and nearly talked myself out of running sprints a few times.  But then I was reminded that sometimes to reach a goal, you have to endure the tough/not so fun experiences.

What are your goals?

What are the steps you need to get there?

Which of those steps are your "sprints"?

How will you handle them?

Will you talk yourself out of them or will you lace up your shoes and hit the pavement?

Tonight, though I'm sore, I feel strong. I still dread the sprints, but I value the goal more.

First Days of School

Nicholas started Pre-K on Monday 8/14.  He is in Clase de Venezuela with Sra. Gabi y Sra. Andrea in his final year at Spanish Schoolhouse.  We have loved this place and look forward to all he'll learn this year.

Mikaela started 2nd grade today.  She continues dual language at Independence Elementary with her homeroom teacher as Sra. Valle and her English teacher as Mrs. Ruiz.

Mommy has lost her job as the chalk artist.

Actual first day

 We go to campus before actual start of school and stage photos.  Since I teach and Daddy has to get to work, and Mikaela doesn't seem to feel like we need to walk her into school anymore, this just works out better for us.

We had fun with this one.  Nick really does want to go to school with Mikaela.